An exhibit on Nebraska’s role in civil rights and a program on the history of the Omaha Star are among events planned at the Omaha Public Library for Black History Month.

One exhibit opens Wednesday at the W. Dale Clark library branch downtown. It’s called “We the People: the Nebraska Viewpoint.” Executive Director Gary Wasdin says the exhibit explores Nebraska’s role in civil liberties and civil rights through the years.“It explores legal cases and past historic incidents here throughout the state, including the trial of Standing Bear, which established American Indians as people under the law here in Nebraska, and Meyer versus Nebraska, which is a famous U.S. Supreme Court case from 1923.” Meyer v. Nebraska focused on the teaching of foreign languages in schools.

A program February 11 focuses on Omaha Star founder Mildred Brown and the history of the paper.

A complete schedule of Omaha Public Library events for Black History Month can be found at www.omahalibrary.org. A program is also planned in March during Womens History Month.